Governing complex societal problems: The impact of private on public regulation through technological change
Societies face increasingly complex and dynamic problems, with climate change being one of the most notable examples. Researchers from the ETH Energy Politics Group, including ISTP member Prof. Tobias Schmidt, investigated the interaction between regulatory instruments to address such problems. Based on a case study on energy efficiency in buildings in Switzerland, they found a symbiotic interaction between public and private regulation that leads to ratcheting-up of regulatory stringency.
Abstract
When addressing complex societal problems, public regulation is increasingly complemented by private regulation. Extant literature has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of such complex governance structures, with most empirical studies focusing on how public regulation influences private regulation. Conversely, the impact of private on public regulation is less well studied. Here, we investigate this impact with a focus on technological change as possible mechanism. Based on a case study of energy efficiency in buildings in Switzerland, we find evidence of a symbiotic interaction between public and private regulation that leads to ratcheting-up of regulatory stringency. We identify technological change as the mechanism linking private and public regulation. We discuss the relevance of our findings for governance literature and regulators.
- Article: "Governing complex societal problems: The impact of private on public regulation through technological change"
- Journal: Regulation & Governance (2020)
- Author(s): Nicolas Schmid, Léonore Hälg, Dr. Sebastian Sewerin, Prof. Tobias Schmidt & Irina Simmen
- For the full article, please visit the external pageRegulation & Governance homepage.